Adoption Decree Error - I adopted myself?!

[anotherdaycj]

I have an Ohio Final Decree of Adoption with an error on it. Instead of having my adopted dad's name on it (as the adopter) and then my name (as the adoptee), they put my name in both spots. My brothers decree has my adopted dad's name and then his name.

Does this mean that I'm not legally adopted and that my birth father (in all legal aspects) is still my father? I can give the exact wording of the decree if necessary.

 

[mistoffolees]

I have an Ohio Final Decree of Adoption with an error on it. Instead of having my adopted dad's name on it (as the adopter) and then my name (as the adoptee), they put my name in both spots. My brothers decree has my adopted dad's name and then his name.

Does this mean that I'm not legally adopted and that my birth father (in all legal aspects) is still my father? I can give the exact wording of the decree if necessary.

How old is it?

If it's brand new, there is a process to fix typographical errors. It's not very complicated or difficult. If the adoption has been in place for some time, your adopted Dad will probably need to retain an attorney to straighten it out. It should be possible to do so, but it might take a little while.

 

[anotherdaycj]

The adoption took place in 2001 by my stepfather, when I was 16 years old (in other words, I have always lived with my biological mother). I'm 26 now and just realized the mistake when I was going through paperwork, noticed the error, and called my brother to ask to see his.

My name was also changed during the adoption (to include my Catholic Confirmation name, adding a second "middle" name). So the adopter is listed as "Joshua Michael (my last name)" and the adoptee is listed as "Joshua Michael Gregory (my last name)".

I'm just curious to know if that means the adoption is invalid now.

 

[ecmst12]

This is why you should ALWAYS get a lawyer for an adoption, no matter how simple an issue it may seem to be.

 

[!CuriousGeorge!]

The you can really claim that all your troubles are due to your adoptive parent !

 

[haiku]

The adoption took place in 2001 by my stepfather, when I was 16 years old (in other words, I have always lived with my biological mother). I'm 26 now and just realized the mistake when I was going through paperwork, noticed the error, and called my brother to ask to see his.

My name was also changed during the adoption (to include my Catholic Confirmation name, adding a second "middle" name). So the adopter is listed as "Joshua Michael (my last name)" and the adoptee is listed as "Joshua Michael Gregory (my last name)".

I'm just curious to know if that means the adoption is invalid now.

What does your BIRTH certificate say? When an adoption takes place, all other records are also changed. The likelyhood of anyone ever asking you for any sort of adoption record are slim to none-Its your BIRTH certificate that matters legally.

 

[Nevergrowup]

What does your BIRTH certificate say? When an adoption takes place, all other records are also changed. The likelyhood of anyone ever asking you for any sort of adoption record are slim to none-Its your BIRTH certificate that matters legally.

So true. I was adopted in 5th grade by my stepdad. I have never even seen my adoption paperwork, just birth certificate, and I'm now in my late 30's...